Author Topic: smaller brake reservoir empty  (Read 5963 times)

Offline p7387

  • Frequent Member
  • **
  • Posts: 254
smaller brake reservoir empty
« on: May 31, 2015, 02:48:06 pm »
hope this is the correct spot on the forum for brake related issues?

1987 305 2WD short fleet
the front/small brake reservoir keeps depleting completely, in addition the rubber bladder is always partially getting sucked off of the square perimeter of the reservoir itself, is this normal because it never seats nice?

this small reservoir is specifically for the rear brakes correct?
i do not see any obvious signs of leaking, i need to get under the truck and look at the lines

any advice ?
thanks

Offline zieg85

  • Global Moderator
  • Senior Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 7595
    • 73-87 GM squarebody extended cab and conversions up to 91 R/V series
Re: smaller brake reservoir empty
« Reply #1 on: May 31, 2015, 03:44:38 pm »
If it leaks down slowly it is more than likely one or both of your rear wheel cylinders is seeping.  Yes the small reservoir is for the rear only.  I have also seen the master leak back into the inside of the cab with no power brake set up.
Carl 
1985 C20 Scottsdale 7.4L 4 speed 3.21
1986 C10 under construction
https://www.facebook.com/groups/248658382003506/

Offline Irish_Alley

  • Tim
  • Senior Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 13333
  • Family is not an important thing. It's everything.
Re: smaller brake reservoir empty
« Reply #2 on: May 31, 2015, 04:27:33 pm »
If it leaks down slowly it is more than likely one or both of your rear wheel cylinders is seeping.  Yes the small reservoir is for the rear only.  I have also seen the master leak back into the inside of the cab with no power brake set up.

if it was a line problem it would be a sudden lost of brakes so it should be a slow leak. the rubber is supposed to seal but if you are losing fluid the lack of fluid in the reservoir will cause a vacuum and suck the rubber down. 
If you can’t tell yourself the truth, who can you tell it to?~Irish_Alley

When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth ~Sherlock Holmes

Offline p7387

  • Frequent Member
  • **
  • Posts: 254
Re: smaller brake reservoir empty
« Reply #3 on: June 01, 2015, 01:56:36 am »
sorry i see i accidentally posted this in the "truck of the month section"
perhaps it will be moved to the appropriate section

if i fill it and drive for just a short while its already empty, and the brakes seem slightly off.
i don't see any obvious leaks but i need to check further

Offline Jason S

  • Senior Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1561
Re: smaller brake reservoir empty
« Reply #4 on: June 01, 2015, 02:27:06 pm »
Pull the rear drums off and take a peak inside.
1973 GMC K2500, Super Custom, Camper Special, 350, TH350, NP203, 4.10's
1974 Chevrolet K10, Custom Deluxe, 350, SM465, NP203, 3.73's

"1) Peace through strength; 2) Trust but verify; 3) Beware of evil in the modern world"

Offline pneuner750

  • Newbie
  • Posts: 37
  • Newbie
Re: smaller brake reservoir empty
« Reply #5 on: June 09, 2015, 07:34:01 pm »
Is this manual transmission ?  If so it's  your hydraulic clutch.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk


Offline Irish_Alley

  • Tim
  • Senior Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 13333
  • Family is not an important thing. It's everything.
Re: smaller brake reservoir empty
« Reply #6 on: June 09, 2015, 08:58:34 pm »
if the wheel cylinders leak they will drip down the rear tires on the inside. you will normally see dirt stuck to the bottom of the backing plate on the inside of the drum
If you can’t tell yourself the truth, who can you tell it to?~Irish_Alley

When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth ~Sherlock Holmes